Livemocha

After reading a great article on CNN about computer based language learning, I tried out one of the top picks: Livemocha. This site takes online language learning to a new level and is completely free. I am currently learning Russian, and was able to quickly set up an account and get started. They also offer many other languages, just about anything you would want to learn.

The main benefit to using Livemocha is that it is a community, who helps each other learn languages. So when I submit a voice sample in Russian, a native Russian speaker will rate it and provide me with feedback. I do the same for others who are learning English. It is also possible to engage in chats with users, and of course there are the lessons which are pretty good.

I have to admit, I'm surprised how good this site is. I also have Rosetta Stone, which is great and helps a lot, but one thing it does not provide is feedback from native speakers which is obviously helpful.

While I don't think that you can learn a language from one source alone, Livemocha is a perfect complement to other options out there, like Rosetta Stone.